Deion Jumah. PICTURE: GETTY IMAGES
Hammersmith Hospital seems to be a breeding ground for British boxing greats.
The likes of heavyweight legend Frank Bruno and hall of famer Joe Calzaghe came into this world in the hospital on Du Cane Road, Shepherds Bush. And now the undefeated Fulham prizefighter Deion Jumah is looking to follow in their footsteps.
The 28-year-old cruiserweight contender made an explosive return to the ring in March after two years out of the paid ranks with a first-round win over Kristian Kirilov at York Hall, the home of British boxing, in a contest which lasted just 71 seconds.
Jumah aims to extend his record to 10-0 this Saturday when he returns to Bethnal Green in a bout with the durable Croat, Tomislav Rudan.
It will be the former Henry Compton (now Fulham College Boys) pupil’s third pro fight on these shores after cutting his teeth over in Germany and Denmark in the early stages of his career.
“It was amazing to be back in London fighting in front of my home fans,” said Jumah. “It was a memorable moment that I will not be forgetting any time soon. I can’t wait to get out at York Hall this weekend and put on another show for my loyal fans who have been by my side through thick and thin.”
“I’m ready and I’m not looking to dodge anyone in the UK cruiserweight division. I’m looking to rise up the ranks and to get my hands on some belts. I was out of the ring for a while but now it is my time to shine.”
Amateur days
The Ghost, a nickname Jumah picked up for being difficult to catch on the phone, dominated the amateur scene in the UK as he went on to win two ABA titles which included a stoppage victory over Wadi Camacho, the current Southern Area cruiserweight champion, who also fights under the same promoter as Jumah.
He went on to win 23 of his 24 amateur bouts for Dale Youth ABC, losing controversially to Simon Barclay in his first ever ABA final, before deciding to give up the head guard and vest to go pro.
As Jumah looks to extend his unbeaten record on Saturday night, on the same show, Hammersmith fighter Dean Richardson is also aiming to maintain his ‘O’ after winning his first six pro contests (5 KO’s) in the welterweight division.
Richardson, 22, trains under Barry O’Connell, a former Royal Marine physical training instructor, at the State of Mind fitness gym in Galena Road, Hammersmith.
Local boxing gyms
If you’re interested in trying your hand at boxing, here are a few local options:
- Hammersmith Boxing Academy at Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College in Gliddon Road run boxing sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays at 11am to 1pm.
- Hurlingham Boxing Club in Peterborough Road have classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8pm.
- State of the Mind Fitness in Galena Road has a host of boxing classes. Details are on their website.
Want to read more news stories like this? Subscribe to our weekly e-news bulletin.
